Residue curve maps (RCMs) are useful for the synthesis and analysis of both conventional multicomponent separation and reactive distillation (RD). However, the RCMs do not provide any quantitative performance measure to compare the process alternatives for process intensification. We develop a new velocity vector concept that consists of the speed and direction of the composition change in RCMs for process intensification of reactive distillation. Process intensification in reactive distillation can be thought of as locating multiple process operations in a single continuous column. Optimizing the process intensification in a continuous column can be transformed into finding an optimal path from the initial composition to the target one in RCMs. The optimal path can be determined by minimizing the total processing time required for travelling the path in RCMs. We propose a two-step design method for the RD process consisting of conceptual or structural design based on the new residue curve map and parameter optimization of the process based on rigorous simulation. This new process design method is illustrated by application to a reactive distillation system using an auxiliary reaction for the production of methyl acetate.

残留曲线图（RCM）可用于常规多组分分离和反应蒸馏（RD）的合成和分析。但是，RCM没有提供任何量化的性能指标来比较工艺替代方案以增强工艺强度。我们开发了一个新的速度矢量概念，该概念由RCM中成分变化的速度和方向组成，用于反应蒸馏的过程强化。反应蒸馏中的过程强化可以认为是在单个连续塔中定位多个过程操作。在连续塔中优化工艺强度可以转化为在RCM中找到从初始组成到目标组成的最佳路径。可以通过最小化在RCM中传播路径所需的总处理时间来确定最佳路径。我们提出了一种用于RD过程的两步设计方法，该方法包括基于新残渣曲线图的概念或结构设计以及基于严格仿真的过程参数优化。这种新的工艺设计方法通过应用于使用辅助反应生产乙酸甲酯的反应蒸馏系统进行了说明。